Pair quit over the ‘appalling’ treatment of leader
TWO leading officials of the Welsh Conservative group at the National Assembly quit instantly following the resignation of its leader Andrew RT Davies, we can reveal.
The group’s chief of staff Chris Thorne and senior press officer Vincent Bailey did so because of what they considered to be Mr Davies’ “appalling” treatment by members of the group and by the Conservative Party in Wales.
Mr Thorne told us: “Yesterday I resigned as chief of staff for the Welsh Conservative group.
“It’s been a great privilege serving in the position for the past two years, particularly working alongside my excellent team of staff and leader Andrew RT Davies. It’s now only right that Andrew’s successor has the space to build their own team and I wish whoever that might be the very best in taking forward the Welsh Conservative cause.”
Mr Bailey said: “I’ve been extremely proud to work for the group for the last eight years, and I leave with huge respect for my colleagues in the team.
“Unfortunately, in light of yesterday’s events I felt that my position was untenable. Andrew had loyalty and integrity, and it’s a real shame to see things end this way.”
A source close to Mr Thorne and Mr Bailey said: “What happened to Andrew yesterday was appalling and you have to stand by your principles.
“They felt they had no choice but to hand their resignation in immediately after Andrew announced his decision.”
Mr Davies resigned after it became apparent to him that he could no longer count on the support of his fellow Tory AMs.
Deputy leader Paul Davies has taken the helm on a temporary basis, and indicated that he would like the job permanently.
It remains unclear whether there will be a leadership contest to choose Andrew RT Davies’ successor, or whether Paul Davies, the AM for Preseli Pembrokeshire, will be the beneficiary of a “coronation”.
Nominations will be sought for a new leader “in due course”. Candidates need to be nominated by three AMs in addition to themselves in order to get on the ballot paper.
If there is a contest, all Conservative Party members in Wales will be entitled to vote.
Tory AMs have said little about Andrew RT Davies’ departure, although South Wales West AM Suzy Davies tweeted: “After a difficult day yesterday, I wanted to say thank you to Andrew RT Davies for his leadership of the Welsh Conservative National Assembly group over the last seven years.
“It’s been a time of great change in both Wales and the UK and it has taken a particular strength of character to guide us through it. I hope that any contest for his successor is not dominated by Brexit but it’s essential that the new leader wholeheartedly supports Theresa May in her negotiations to deliver what Wales voted for.
“We have also to remember we’ve had decades of Labour domination in Welsh government. We owe it to Wales to be grown up, brave even, in working with others to offer a genuine alternative.”
Mr Davies’ resignation means that all four parties at the Assembly are facing a leadership election.
Carwyn Jones announced in April he will be standing down as Welsh Labour leader and First Minister in the autumn. Plaid Cymru AMs have until Wednesday to decide whether they want to challenge incumbent leader Leanne Wood. Ukip also faces a leadership contest.